Warsaw - the City of Parks

Warsaw is the city of parks. There are as many as 82 parks in the city which cover 8 % of its area. The oldest ones, once parts of representative palaces, are Saxon Garden, the Krasinski Garden, the Lazienki Park and the Wilanow Park. The parks play a crucial role in the cultural life of Warsaw as they are no longer only green spaces for people to walk on, but for the last few years a lot of artistic events, concerts, recreation and sports activities take place there.

Saxon Garden (Ogrod Saski)

The Saxon Garden, covering the area of 15.5 ha, used to be a royal garden. It was founded at the end of the 17th century by August II the Strong as a part of the Baroque ''Saxon Axis'' – the line of parks and palaces connecting the Vistula River with the western outskirts of Warsaw. Its original design was based on the Versailles gardens, however, it was then redesigned in accordance with the English landscape park style. The Saxon Garden is also renowned as the oldest public park in Warsaw open to the public since 1927. Though the park lost much of its charm due to the World War II damage, it is still worth visiting for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is situated close to the centre, thus, an ideal spot for having a rest while sightseeing the city. Secondly, the park abounds in tourist attractions. The top ones include:

21 sandstone baroque statues, a part of the rich collection of sculptures removed to St.Petersburg after recapturing the city by Marshal Suvorov

the 19th century Watertower, modelled on the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, situated by the lake

the 19th century fountain, often used by dating couples as their meeting place

the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with the triple arch, the only remnant of the Saxon Palace colonnade,

the Monument dedicated to Maria Konopnicka, famous Polish poet and writer mainly for children and youth.

The park is full of strollers from all over Warsaw on Sunday when military bands play here and during the celebrations held by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Krasinski Garden (Ogrod Krasinskich)

The Krasinski Garden, covering the area of about 12 ha, dates back to the end of the 17th century. It is situated at the back of the Krasinski Palace – the baroque palace regarded as one of the most beautiful residences in Warsaw. It has been open to the public since 1766. Before the Saski Garden was established, the Krasinski Garden used to be the largest garden in the city of Warsaw. It has been a national monument since 1965. The park boasts a wide variety of rare species of old trees. With its benches, flower carpets, a pond with ducks on and a playground for kids, the Krasinski Garden is a popular strolling destination for the Varsovians. The typical landmark is a monument dedicated to the Monte Casino Battle heroes.

Lazienki Park (Park Lazienkowski)

The Lazienki Park is one of the most beautiful park and palace complexes in Europe. Its name is connected with the bathing pavilion called ''lazienki'' (baths) in Polish erected in the park in the 17th century. A century later, upon King Stanislaw August Poniatowski becoming the owner of the site – the Lazienki Park was turned into a formal garden It was his idea to erect the following buildings, ranked among the pearls of Polish architecture, in the park: Palace on the Water (once King Stanislaw August Poniatowski's summer residence), Theatre on the Island, the Myslewicki Palace, the Old Orangerie, the Belweder, the Astronomical Observatory. The Lazienki Park covers the area of 76 ha.. The unique character and history of the park is reflected in its landscape architecture (pavilions, sculptures, bridges, cascades, ponds) and vegetation (domestic and foreign species of trees and bushes). What makes this park different from other green spaces in Warsaw is the presence of peacocks and pheasants, which can be seen here walking around freely, and royal carps in the pond. The Lazienki Park also attracts music lovers who attend summer concerts which take place at the foot of Fryderyk Chopin's monument. The Botanical Garden, dating back to the 18th century, is also a part of the Lazienki Park. It abounds in various plant species and is a perfect site to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

Wilanow Park (Ogrod w Wilanowie)

The Wilanow Park, once part of the King Jan III Sobieski's residence, dates back to the second half of the 17th century. It covers the area of 43 ha. Its central Italian-styled area corresponds to the ancient, renaissance and baroque forms of the palace.The eastern section of the park, closest to the Palace, is the two-level garden with a terrace facing the pond. This baroque garden, laid out in the Italian-French style, abounds in decorative vases and scultpures of ancient gods which are easily distinguishable in the rich vegetation all around.The other parts of the park are as follows: the 19th century Flower Garden, the Rose Garden, the North Wing Garden with the Academos' Grove, the Orangerie Garden, the English Park and the romantic English-Chinese landscape park. The natural water reservoirs, a rich collection of trees, colourful flower beds are among the top advantages of the park. The Wilanow Park has also a lot to offer to romantic souls: a boat rent, the Chinese gazebo, Neo-Gothic tomb of Stanislaw Kostka Potocki, etc. Once the Wilanow Park was reputed as one of the most beautiful water gardens in Europe.

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